System and method for managing access to protected content by untrusted applications

Abstract

There is provided a communication device, and a method thereof, for managing access to protected content. The communication device comprises an application (302), a trusted file system service (316), a trusted agent (318) and a trusted content renderer (320). The application (302) requests performance of an action for the protected content (306). The trusted file system service (316) identifies the protected content (306) to the application (302). The trusted agent (318) identifies rights associated with the protected content (306) to the application (302). The trusted content renderer (320) performs the action in response to determining that the application (302) is an untrusted application having sufficient rights to perform the action.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of Digital Rights Management (“DRM”). In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for managing access to DRM protected content. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] As content is increasingly being authored and delivered in digital form, content distributors are turning to systems utilizing Digital Rights Management (“DRM”) methods to protect their works. In these systems, a distributor can enumerate and grant the rights extended to the recipient in regards to using the content. Each system relies upon a secure environment in which the content is used to ensure that the permissions granted by the rights are obeyed. The system and associated rights may be used to prevent the unauthorized duplication or modification of the works. In most DRM implementations, these rights are expressed in a “rights object” which can be packaged together with the content or distributed separately. Th...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For existing systems that utilize DRM methods, applications that use DRM content must abide by the rights associated with that content and untrusted applications cannot be given direct access to the content.

However, the need of a “trusted” status to access DRM content is a hindrance for most application developers.

Yet, these developers cannot be inherently trusted to write applications that abide by DRM content rights, and it is not always feasible for a trusted authority (i.e., manufacturer or operator) to analyze the application for DRM compliance in order to give it trusted status.

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